Creative Community Survey

Two hundred fifty six members of the creative community responded to the email invitation extended by NNWAC and Around the Coyote to 3200 people. The Creative Community Study, commissioned by the Wicker Park Bucktown Special Service Area, was produced by the Metro Chicago Info Center, and the report results are now available online: http://wickerparkbucktownssa.org/?p=292

It is an interesting read, but fair warning, it’s 77 pages long. It comes as no surprise to us, that displacement is a major concern. Artists recognize that the uniqueness of the neighborhood is precarious. Respondents urge the protection of rental properties, support racial, social and cultural diversity, desire increased visibility and would participate in a campaign to buy products and services locally.

Wicker Park has functioned as a naturally occuring Arts District for twenty years. Artists laid the foundation creating social value yet have no clear way to reap their full reward. The study gives local artists some hard data to defend their interests in the Wicker Park Bucktown Master Planning process, but they need to find their voice and work collectively. Next Steps? Share your thoughts via email, bring friends and ideas to a public forum scheduled in June. Artists need to participate with local business and begin to describe the solutions. Contact Laura Weathered, Executive Director for further details. laura@nnwac.org